MLB: Pittsburgh Pirates cut ties with outfielder Gregory Polanco

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Pirates released outfielder Gregory Polanco on Saturday.

The 29-year-old Polanco was the last player in the current edition to play with the Pirates when they made the playoffs for three consecutive seasons between 2013 and 2015.

Polanco’s age, declining production and huge contract led to this decision. His $ 11.6 million salary this season occupied more than 20 percent of the team’s payroll.

The Pirates put him on waivers last week. While no training has decided to claim him, the Pittsburgh team have chosen to release him.

This season, Polanco has maintained a .208 batting average and amassed 11 home runs and 36 RBIs.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton described his meeting with Polanco to announce the decision as the most difficult since taking office in November 2019.